Cisco Catalyst 1300 24-Port Managed PoE+ Rack Switch

Overview

The Cisco C1300-24FP-4X is a managed rack switch designed to deliver both connectivity and power to a variety of network devices in small business environments. It features twenty-four Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support and four 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplinks, enabling efficient connection and power delivery to IP phones, cameras, wireless access points, and desktop computers. With a 375-watt PoE+ budget and Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, this switch supports advanced network segmentation and routing to keep voice, video, and data traffic well organized and responsive.

Key features

• Twenty-four Gigabit Ethernet ports that provide PoE+ power, eliminating the need for separate power adapters for connected devices
• Four 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplink slots for high-speed backhaul and seamless integration with core network infrastructure
• Support for both Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing, allowing flexible network design and efficient traffic management
• 375-watt total PoE+ budget with per-port power allocation to ensure critical devices remain powered during peak usage
• Intuitive web-based dashboard that simplifies setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting without requiring specialized network expertise
• Rack-mountable design with included ears fits standard 19-inch racks for organized and centralized network installations

Key specs

• Ports: 24 Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ and 4 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplinks
• PoE+ budget: 375 watts total with per-port power management
• Switching capabilities: Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions including VLAN segmentation and inter-VLAN routing
• Form factor: Rack-mountable, fits standard 19-inch racks

Connectivity and compatibility

This switch supports a wide range of network devices through its Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ ports, powering IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and desktop computers directly over the network cable. The four 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplinks provide high-capacity connections to core switches or servers, ensuring smooth data flow in growing network environments. Its Layer 2 and Layer 3 features allow it to integrate seamlessly into existing network architectures, supporting VLANs and routing as needed.

Installation and setup

The Cisco C1300-24FP-4X is designed for straightforward deployment in small business or branch office settings. The included rack ears make it easy to mount in a standard 19-inch rack alongside other network equipment. The web-based dashboard guides users through configuration tasks such as VLAN creation, quality-of-service policies, and security settings, making it accessible for teams without dedicated network engineers.

Ideal uses and environments

This switch is well suited to retail stores, professional offices, co-working spaces, and branch locations that require reliable network connectivity combined with power delivery for multiple devices. Its PoE+ capabilities reduce cable clutter and installation costs by powering devices directly, while the Layer 3 routing features support growing networks that need efficient traffic management. It fits naturally into setups where space is limited but performance and scalability remain priorities.